Fernando Garcia's Insider Guide To Mykonos

Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, creative directors of Oscar de la Renta, simply can’t get enough of Greece. Having opened a successful boutique in Athens, they’ve now set their sights on the island of Mykonos with a new pop-up summer boutique.

Those who haven’t yet visited Mykonos, a whitewashed island in the heart of the Cyclades, should expect an Ibiza-ish vibe – glamour, luxury and plenty of parties for those who want them. With its marble streets, flowering bougainvillea trees and tucked-away churches, it’s a paradise for anyone looking to unwind in the baking Greek sunshine. That said, it’s also a buzzing tourist spot, so insider advice when planning your trip is essential.

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Garcia and Kim are frequent visitors to the island and well-versed on all the best spots for a chic and blissful getaway. “I’d say there are more great beaches on Mykonos than on any other Greek island,” says Garcia. Here he shares his guide to the destination that they’ve fallen in love with.

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Mykonos

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Breakfast by the pool

“For me, breakfast in Mykonos is something easy and simple – maybe an omelette with feta cheese,” says Garcia. “You’ll be on the Greek summer schedule, so that means you eat it at 11am or 12pm, ideally in your swimsuit by the pool, easing into the day.”

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Super Paradise

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Swim and sunbathe

Beach vibes on this island vary hugely, so find the right spot for you. “You have totally wild scenes at Super Paradise, for example, and then super-chill scenes elsewhere.” Garcia’s favourites are Agios Ioannis and Psarou. “Agios Ioannis beach is small but very charming and connected to a great little restaurant, Hippie Fish; Psarou can be crowded but it is amongst the most beautiful on the island. It has the most incredible Aegean blue water.”

Psarou Beach

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Lunch by the sea

“For a big group, nothing is better than lunch at Spilia,” advises Garcia. “It’s an incredible restaurant built into a cave on the seafront, in a quiet part of the island. The fish is caught from the sea in front of you.”

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Another favourite is Kiki’s Tavern. “You can’t reserve and there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it because it’s maybe the most authentic taverna on the island. The calamari is amazing, and in terms of local produce, you can never go wrong with a Greek salad – 'horiatiki'. That combo of feta, cucumbers, onions and olives… there’s nothing better in the world.”

After lunch, walk down to nearby Agios Sostis beach. “Because you can only reach it by hike, it’s super-secluded – definitely not a disco beach.”

Oscar de la Renta's new pop-up in Nammos Village.

Oscar de la Renta

Shop at Nammos Village

Oscar de la Renta’s new pop-up is nestled in Nammos Village, a luxury shopping area scattered with palms and olive trees next to Psarou beach. The boutique is designed by Jeang Kim, Laura's sister, in a traditional Mykonian space with bare stone walls. Pick up ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and fashion jewellery from the spring, pre-fall and resort 2018 collections; sunglasses from the Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics collaboration and an exclusive capsule collection of tunics, kaftans, palazzo pants, swimwear and towel ponchos – all inspired by Mykonos.

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Temple of Isis

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Visit an island of Greek legend

If you can bring yourself to set sail from Mykonos, Garcia suggests renting a boat for a trip to Delos, a Unesco world heritage site around half an hour away. “It has an amazing Greek ruins and is considered the birthplace of Apollo.” At one stage this mythology made it so sacred that no mortals were allowed to be born or die on the island.

Drink at Scorpios

Back on Mykonos, the designer recommends a bar between Paraga and Kavos beaches for drinks with a beautiful view. “They always have the best DJs, too.”

Dine al fresco

After lazy days in the heat, Mykonians like their evenings more upbeat. “There are so many great restaurants on the island, but personally I love the courtyard at Interni – amazing food and the most charming al fresco setting,” says Garcia. “Or if the goal is for your party to be dancing on the tables by the time dinner is over, Sea Satin is your place – delicious seafood and great vibes.”

If you’re in a more chilled-out mood, try the smaller, upmarket restaurant Katrin. “Be sure to grab one of the few tables outside on the square for great people-watching. Mykonos attracts people from all over the world, so it feels super-cosmopolitan, but laidback at the same time.”

Mykonos

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Dance all night

“My favourite beach club has to be Alemagou in Ftelia,” says the designer. “The music ramps up as the sun is setting – it’s perfect for dancing on the sand. You can go home from there or carry on for late night dancing at Jackie O’s, the most famous bar in town, which is always playing cheesy pop hits until the early morning. Everyone ends up there.”

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The Belvedere Hotel

Belvedere Hotel

Sleep in luxury

Garcia has two favourite hotels, which should cater for your needs whether you prefer to be in a quiet spot or at the heart of the action. “In town I like the Belvedere – it’s right in the centre, so the best spot if you want to walk around in the evening,” he says. “If a super-relaxed holiday is what you’re there for, the Santa Marina is an amazing resort with a private beach – which is a rarity in Mykonos and means you never have to leave.”